One of the best travel destinations in the world is St. Lucia, a Caribbean island, which has breathtaking landscapes, lush rainforests, volcanic beaches, and a rich culture. St. Lucia has a great variety of activities to do, whether you are a relaxation or adventure traveler. There is so much to do, it can be daunting to plan your trip, but there is nothing to worry about! This guide will show you the 10 best things to do in St. Lucia so that you can enjoy the best of this tropical paradise.
The Pitons are soaring high, and the Caribbean Sea is so calm and serene, and the list of the unique experiences is endless. This island is an unforgettable getaway whether you are a nature lover, a beach lover or a culture seeker. We are going to explore the activities in St. Lucia that will make you have unforgettable memories.
1. Hiking the Pitons
Hiking the Pitons is always first on the list when discussing the top 10 best things to do in St. Lucia. The Gros Piton and Petit Piton are twin volcanic spires that soar out of the Caribbean Sea and create the most recognizable natural features of the island. These are some of the UNESCO world heritage sites that any tourist visiting St. Lucia must visit.
The Gros Piton hike is a difficult but satisfying experience to the hiker who loves hiking. The path leads you through a thick forest and provides breathtaking scenery of the island as you climb up. The climb is in good condition and there are guides who can take you to the top where you will be rewarded with a view of the island, the sea around it and the green scenery.
In case you want something not so demanding, the Petit Piton is a more demanding climb, which involves technical skills, but the view is rewarding to those who hike it. In case you are not in the mood to hike, the Pitons as seen in the nearby places, like the beaches or resorts, are equally spectacular.
2. Sulphur Springs and Mud Baths.
The Sulphur Springs are one of the most distinctive activities in St. Lucia and they are found in the town of Soufriere. The world has only one drive-in volcano in this geothermal area where people can enjoy the therapeutic value of the natural hot springs and mud baths.
The mud that contains sulphur is said to be rejuvenating and healing. Once you have dipped into the warm mineral-filled water, you can cover your body with the volcanic mud, allow it to dry, and then wash it off in the adjacent cooling spring. It is not only fun but also good to your skin and thus a must-do activity during your visit.
3. Visiting the Rainforests and Waterfalls.
St. Lucia has beautiful rainforests which are a paradise to nature lovers. A guided hike or tour through the tropical beauty of the island is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the island. It has a number of trails that lead to some spectacular waterfalls such as the well known Diamond falls in the Soufriere region.
The path to Diamond Falls is through the botanical gardens, where you can see colorful flora and fauna on your way. The waterfall itself is a breathtaking view, with a green vegetation. The region is also characterized by mineral-rich waters, which are discharged by the Sulphur Springs, which make the falls look unique.
To get an even more immersive experience, the Rainforest Adventures has an exciting adventure with their aerial tram ride where you can fly above the canopy and have a bird eye view of the rainforest and the surrounding areas.
4. Beach Days in Anse Chastanet and Anse Mamin.
St. Lucia boasts of amazing beaches and one of the best activities to do in St. Lucia is just to relax under the sun and enjoy the clean beaches. One of the most beautiful beaches on the island is Anse Chastanet, which is situated near Soufriere and has crystal-clear waters and Pitons views. It is the ideal place to swim, snorkel or simply to sunbathe.
Another secret spot is Anse Mamin, which is a more secluded beach experience, a little further away. This beach is perfect when one wants to get away with the crowd and have a relaxing time in the midst of greenery. The waters here are calm and it is ideal in snorkeling where one can explore the colorful coral reefs and meet a variety of tropical fish.
5. Ziplining in the Rainforest
Ziplining in the rainforest is one of the most thrilling activities in St. Lucia to have an adrenaline rush. The activity is a mixture of the excitement of flying among the trees and the breathtaking view of the green scenery of the island. St. Lucia suggests a number of ziplining businesses that will take you on a tour of the rainforest canopy of the island and you will have a chance to fly over the colorful foliage and have a different view of the wildlife and natural beauty of the island.
Rainforest Adventures provides one of the most sought-after zipline activities, whereby visitors are able to experience a sequence of zip lines, which pass through the tropical forest, with breathtaking views of the Pitons.
6. Boat Tour to Marigot Bay
One of the most effective methods of enjoying the beauty of the St. Lucia coastline is a boat tour to Marigot Bay. This is a picturesque bay, with green hills and blue waters, and it has long been regarded as one of the most beautiful places on the island. Marigot bay is commonly known as the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean and after visiting it, you will know why.
During a boat tour, you will be able to rest and enjoy the ride on the calm waters and have a swim or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the bay. In case you want an even closer experience, there are also private boat charters that can be used to have a personalized excursion.
7. Going to the Pigeon Island National Park.
Pigeon Island National Park is among the best places to visit in St. Lucia especially to those who have interest in history and culture. Pigeon Island is a small historical park situated on the northwest coast of the island, which was once a strategic British military base in the 18 th century.
Today, tourists are able to see the ruins of the ancient fort, have panoramic views of the coastline of the island, and enjoy hiking paths that lead to breathtaking scenery. There is also a small museum in the park, which offers information about the colonial history of the island, and a beautiful beach where one can swim and relax.
8. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in the Marine Reserves of St. Lucia.
St. Lucia has one of the best diving and snorkeling in the Caribbean and thus it is a perfect place to visit by underwater lovers. The island also has a number of marine reserves such as the Marine Management Area off Anse Chastanet and the Anse Cochon Marine Reserve, where colorful coral reefs abound with marine life.
Regardless of your level of experience, as a beginner or an experienced diver, there are numerous opportunities to discover the underwater world of the island. The Pitons Marine Reserve is a popular dive site where you can explore clean coral gardens and meet tropical fish, sea turtles and even the occasional reef shark.
9. Enjoying the Local Cuisine
The food in St. Lucia is a beautiful blend of Caribbean, African, French, and Indian cuisines and it is a pleasure to the palate. A visit to St. Lucia would be incomplete without trying some of the local foods, including green fig and saltfish, callaloo soup, and bake and shark.
To get a real feel of it, you may go to the local food markets or eat in one of the numerous seafood restaurants on the island. You can have your meal in a simple seaside shack or in a fancy dining place, but the food scene in the island is bound to impress.
10. Attend the Colorful Festivals of St. Lucia.
One of the best things to do in St. Lucia is to experience the colorful festivals of the island, provided you visit it at the right time. The island is characterized by colorful festivals, the most popular of which is St. Lucia Carnival. It is a vibrant yearly festival in July that is characterized by lavish parades, colorful costumes, calypso music, and street parties.
Other festivals worth mentioning are the La Rose and La Marguerite festivals, which are used to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the island through music, dance, and drama. By attending these vibrant festivals, you will have a rare chance to feel the spirit and the soul of the local culture of St. Lucia.
Conclusion
St. Lucia has something to offer to every type of traveler; be it an adventure seeker, a beach lover, or a history enthusiast. The 10 best things to do in St. Lucia is a very diverse list that enables you to experience the natural beauty of the island, its cultural heritage, and the rich traditions of the island. Whether you are hiking the legendary Pitons or sipping on the peaceful beaches and savoring the local cuisine, there is no dearth of memorable moments that you will have on this Caribbean jewel.
These activities will definitely make your itinerary complete and will ensure that you have a lifetime experience and find out why St. Lucia is regarded as one of the most magical places in the world.
